Benefits & SupportComplete Guide to UK Benefits 2026
Everything you need to know about benefits and entitlements in the UK. What you can claim, how to apply, and maximising your entitlements.
This guide covers the main benefits available in the UK and helps you understand what you might be entitled to.
Benefits Overview
Main Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Means-tested | Universal Credit, Pension Credit |
| Contributory | State Pension, Contribution-based JSA |
| Disability | PIP, Attendance Allowance |
| Family | Child Benefit, Maternity Pay |
| Housing | Housing element of UC, Discretionary Housing Payments |
| Carer | Carer’s Allowance |
Universal Credit
The main working-age benefit, replacing six older benefits.
Who Can Claim
| Eligible If | Details |
|---|
| Aged 18+ | (Some 16-17 year olds) |
| Under State Pension age | Both if couple |
| In the UK | Resident |
| Not in education | Exceptions apply |
| Savings under £16,000 | £6,000+ affects amount |
What UC Replaces
| Old Benefit | Now Part of UC |
|---|
| Income-based JSA | ✓ |
| Income-related ESA | ✓ |
| Income Support | ✓ |
| Housing Benefit | ✓ (working age) |
| Child Tax Credit | ✓ |
| Working Tax Credit | ✓ |
UC Rates (2024-25)
| Who | Monthly |
|---|
| Single under 25 | £311.68 |
| Single 25+ | £393.45 |
| Couple (both under 25) | £489.23 |
| Couple (one or both 25+) | £617.60 |
Additional Elements
| Element | Monthly |
|---|
| First child | £333.33 |
| Additional children | £287.92 |
| Limited capability for work | £416.19 |
| Carer element | £198.31 |
| Childcare (up to 85%) | Varies |
| Housing | Actual rent (limits apply) |
Full guide: How to Apply for Universal Credit
Disability Benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
| Component | Standard | Enhanced |
|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65/week | £108.55/week |
| Mobility | £28.70/week | £75.75/week |
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|
| Age | 16 to State Pension age |
| Not means-tested | Income doesn’t matter |
| Not taxable | Keep it all |
| Based on | How condition affects you |
Our guides:
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help.
| Rate | Weekly |
|---|
| Lower | £72.65 |
| Higher | £108.55 |
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
For children under 16 with disabilities.
Full guide: Disability Benefits Guide
Benefits for Families
Child Benefit
| Rate | Weekly |
|---|
| First child | £25.60 |
| Additional children | £16.95 each |
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|
| Universal | Regardless of income |
| High Income Charge | If earning over £60,000 |
| Claim anyway | Protects NI record |
Full guide: Child Benefit Guide
Maternity and Paternity
| Payment | Amount | Duration |
|---|
| Statutory Maternity Pay | 90% then £184.03/week | Up to 39 weeks |
| Statutory Paternity Pay | £184.03/week | 2 weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Up to £184.03/week | 39 weeks |
Our guides:
Childcare Support
| Scheme | Help |
|---|
| Tax-Free Childcare | 20% top-up (max £2,000/child/year) |
| 15 hours free | All 3-4 year olds |
| 30 hours free | Working parents, 3-4 year olds |
| UC childcare element | Up to 85% of costs |
Full guide: Tax-Free Childcare Guide
Carer’s Allowance
For people caring for someone with substantial needs.
| Rate | £81.90/week |
|---|
| Hours caring | 35+ per week |
| Person cared for | Gets qualifying benefit |
| Earnings limit | £151/week (after deductions) |
Full guide: Carer’s Allowance Guide
Housing Support
Within Universal Credit
| What | Details |
|---|
| Housing element | Help with rent |
| Based on | Local Housing Allowance |
| For | Private renters |
| Social rent | Actual rent (usually) |
Council Tax Reduction
| What | Up to 100% off council tax |
| Who | Low income households |
| Apply | Through local council |
Full guide: Council Tax Reduction Guide
Housing Benefit
| Status | Details |
|---|
| Being replaced | By UC housing element |
| Still exists | For pension-age claimants |
| Legacy | Some still receive |
Full guide: Housing Benefit Guide
State Pension
Current Rates
| Type | Weekly |
|---|
| New State Pension (full) | £221.20 |
| Basic State Pension (full) | £169.50 |
Qualifying
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| NI years needed | 35 for full new pension |
| Minimum years | 10 for any pension |
| State Pension age | Currently 66, rising to 67 |
Full guide: State Pension Guide
Pension Credit
Tops up income for pensioners.
| Type | Purpose |
|---|
| Guarantee Credit | Tops up to minimum |
| Savings Credit | Rewards savings (older claimants) |
Full guide: Pension Credit Guide
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
| Rate | £116.75/week |
| Duration | Up to 28 weeks |
| Eligibility | Employees earning £123+/week |
Full guide: Statutory Sick Pay Guide
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
For those who can’t work due to illness/disability and don’t qualify for UC.
Bereavement Benefits
| Benefit | For |
|---|
| Bereavement Support Payment | Widow/ers under State Pension age |
| Funeral Expenses Payment | Help with funeral costs |
Full guide: Bereavement Benefits Guide
How to Check Your Entitlements
Benefits Calculators
| Calculator | Website |
|---|
| Entitled To | entitledto.co.uk |
| Turn2us | turn2us.org.uk |
| Policy in Practice | betteroffcalculator.co.uk |
When to Check
| Life Event | May Affect Benefits |
|---|
| Lost job | UC, JSA |
| Had baby | Child Benefit, UC |
| Health changed | PIP, ESA |
| Separated | UC, Tax Credits |
| Retired | State Pension, Pension Credit |
| Caring for someone | Carer’s Allowance |
| Moved home | Housing element, Council Tax |
Benefit Cap
| Limit | Details |
|---|
| £22,020/year | Couples and lone parents (outside London) |
| £25,323/year | Couples and lone parents (London) |
| £14,753/year | Single people (outside London) |
| £16,967/year | Single people (London) |
Full guide: Benefit Cap Explained
Applying for Benefits
General Process
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Use calculator to check entitlement |
| 2 | Gather documents |
| 3 | Apply (usually online) |
| 4 | Attend any assessments |
| 5 | Provide evidence if requested |
| 6 | Receive decision |
| 7 | Challenge if wrong |
If You’re Turned Down
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Request mandatory reconsideration |
| 2 | Provide additional evidence |
| 3 | Appeal to tribunal if still refused |
| 4 | Get help from Citizens Advice |
Quick Reference: All Benefit Guides
Main Benefits
| Benefit | Guide |
|---|
| Universal Credit | Application Guide |
| PIP | Full Guide |
| PIP Assessment | Tips |
| Child Benefit | Guide |
| Carer’s Allowance | Guide |
| State Pension | Guide |
| Pension Credit | Guide |
Family Benefits
| Benefit | Guide |
|---|
| Maternity Pay | Guide |
| Paternity Pay | Guide |
| Tax-Free Childcare | Guide |
Housing
| Benefit | Guide |
|---|
| Housing Benefit | Guide |
| Council Tax Reduction | Guide |
Health & Disability
| Benefit | Guide |
|---|
| Disability Benefits | Overview |
| SSP | Guide |
| Free Prescriptions | Guide |
Other
| Benefit | Guide |
|---|
| Bereavement | Guide |
| Benefits Overview | State Benefits |
| Benefit Cap | Explained |
Getting Help
| Service | Contact |
|---|
| Citizens Advice | citizensadvice.org.uk |
| Turn2us | turn2us.org.uk |
| Gov.uk | gov.uk/browse/benefits |
| Local welfare assistance | Your council |
Benefits rules change frequently. Always check current rates and rules on gov.uk or use an up-to-date calculator. If you’re struggling, seek free advice — many people miss out on thousands of pounds they’re entitled to.